diet

Arthritis, gout, and kidney disorders are some ailments that can develop when there is a high level of uric acid in the body. Although uric acid is naturally produced by the body to help breakdown purines and is flushed out of the body through urine, high levels of uric acid in the body may not be properly flushed out and may accumulate in the body. Regular intake of foods rich in purines can cause uric acid levels to rise and may worsen conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

avoid high-purine foods

With certain changes in the diet, high levels of uric acid can be reduced and maintained within normal range. Reducing, or even completely avoiding, foods rich in purines can greatly reduce the uric acid level. There are also certain types of food that can help reduce uric acid.

In summary, uric acid levels could be kept within normal limits by having a diet that is low in proteins and purines, high in potassium and complex carbohydrates, and properly hydrated with water. Along with proper exercise to maintain moderate body weight, this diet should be able to lower uric acid levels significantly.

One of the most common but least talked about medical condition is hemorrhoids. These are swollen or inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum. It causes discomfort, itchiness in the anal area and, in some cases, also pain.

Signs that indicate the existence of hemorrhoids include: bright-red blood that appears on the surface of the stool, toilet bowl or toilet paper, or swollen veins around the anus that sometimes bulge through the anus. Pain is uncommon and only occurs if blood clots or if there are infections in which case, pain can be severe. Not to worry though, these are not dangerous or life threatening. With proper treatment it will usually go away within a few days.

high-fibre diet

Some measures that we can take to relieve our butts and ease our discomfort are:

Increasing fiber and fluids in our diet. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Modifying bowel habits. Avoid prolonged sitting and straining in the toilet. Get rid of your magazine rack in the bathroom.

If there is pain or irritation apply a cold pack to the affected area when hemorrhoid symptoms first appear.

Have tub baths three or four times a day in plain, hot water for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Applying Hemorrhoid medicines (creams or suppositories) to the affected area for a limited time may provide relief of itching and inflammation. These medicines are available without a prescription.

Some of the conditions that increase your risks of getting hemorrhoids include poor bowel habits such as sitting for long periods and straining to move stool, pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, anal intercourse, obesity and a high-fat, low-fiber diet.

As you can see Hemorrhoids can literally give you a pain in the butt. But with proper care and diet, you can avoid its health risks. However, for those who have this condition don’t sweat it, just take the proper measures and it will be gone in a few days.

When asked for a source of calcium, milk is almost always the first thing that comes to mind. More often than not, dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese are the only Calcium sources recognized by many. What most people are unaware of is that some vegetables are also rich sources of calcium and that even grains contain small amounts of it. Since grains are consumed frequently, they are still able to contribute a good amount of calcium to the diet. Moreover, plenty of foods such as fruit juices, tofu, cereals, and even biscuits are now fortified with calcium.

image via http://www.thelibertybeacon.com

Some non-dairy food sources of calcium people have been consuming oblivious to its calcium content are:

Sardines, canned in oil, with bones (324 mg Ca / 3 oz)

Orange juice, calcium-fortified (200-260 mg Ca / 6 oz)

Firm tofu made with calcium sulfate (204 mg Ca / half cup)

Pink salmon, canned, solids with bone (181 mg Ca / 3 oz)

Soft tofu made with calcium sulfate (138 mg Ca / half cup)

Spinach, cooked (120 mg Ca /half cup)

Turnip greens, boiled (99 mg Ca / half cup)

Chinese cabbage, raw (74 mg Ca / one cup)

White bread (31 mg Ca/ ounce)

Broccoli, raw (21 mg Ca / half cup)

Whole wheat bread ( 20 mg Ca / slice)

The recommended dietary allowance of Calcium for those aged 19-50 years old is 1000mg. This means that even if one is lactose intolerant and has to refrain from consuming dairy products, choosing a combination of food servings above would enable him to meet the daily RDA for Calcium.

Be forewarned that a diet consisting of plenty of fatty foods can lead to liver disease. An unhealthy diet causes the liver to work harder and can damage it beyond repair. Once damaged, diet restrictions have to strictly followed so as not to worsen the condition of the liver. For severely damaged livers, dialysis can take over liver functions but only on a short term basis. Eventually, even dialysis would not sufficiently sustain the body’s needs leading to the subsequent collapse of all other body functions. Suffice it to say that a sick liver has fatal results.

image via http://savvysuburban.com

The liver, the second largest organ in the human body, is responsible for many body functions. It synthesizes proteins, decomposes red blood cells, detoxifies the blood, and produces bile that aid digestion. Without the liver, normal vital function is an impossibility. It is thus essential for one to give utmost importance to keeping one’s liver healthy.

The best way to keep your liver healthy and functioning well is to eat a healthy diet. Here are some guidelines on what your diet should be like:

Eat food from all the food groups.

Each meal should include grains, proteins, dairy, fruits, vegetables and fat.

Choose foods that are rich in fiber such as whole grain bread, rice and cereals.

Always include fresh fruits and vegetables in every meal.

Do remember that a healthy diet must be coupled with regular exercise. Maintaining your ideal body weight by eating the right kind of food (and not by starving yourself to your dream waistline) and keeping physically fit would definitely make for a healthy liver and a longer, happier life.

People who are diagnosed with diabetes cannot produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that helps move glucose from the blood and into our cells. Without insulin our blood sugar rises to a very high level causing hyperglycemia. If not managed properly, a person may experience complications over time which varies from problems with bodily functions such as kidney, nerves, eyes, and feet, skin problems, digestive problems, sexual dysfunction, and problems with your teeth and gums. It also puts one at a higher risk for heart ailments as well as bone and joint disorders. The good news is diabetes can be managed through a healthy diet, regular exercise and proper medication.

Low fat and/or high fiber foods (wikipedia image)

An important aspect of managing diabetes is a healthy eating habit. A good diet helps control your blood sugar and prevent the complications associated with diabetes. According to the NIH or National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a healthy diet for a diabetic includes the following:

Limiting intake of food which are high in sugar.

Eating smaller portions that are spread out over the day.

Being careful about your carbohydrate consumption. Be aware of when you should take in carbohydrates and how much carbohydrates you eat.

Eating a variety of whole-grain food, fruits and vegetables every day.

Eating less fat.

Limiting your use of alcohol.

Using less salt.

A diabetic’s diet is personal. It is usually planned in consultation with a dietician or a doctor based on your physical activity and condition. You may still eat your favorite food provided that their sugar content is within the range of your dietary requirement. A healthy diet doesn’t need to be bland boring or tasteless. Tasty treats can still be created through the natural flavors of your recipe ingredients.

Dietary requirements for those with liver disease depend on the type of liver disease and how well the liver is working. It is imperative that a doctor be consulted for the dietary recommendations and for the maintenance of a patient with liver disease.

image via http://www.ctvnews.ca/

Usually, a person with severe liver disease would be given vitamin supplements, especially B-complex vitamins, to ensure that daily nutritional requirements are met despite of dietary restrictions. Carbohydrates are advised to be the major source of calories in the diet, thus, starchy foods are highly recommended. Protein intake would be limited to about 1 gram or less of protein per kilogram of body weight.

There are also specific dietary recommendations and restrictions for the various liver diseases. The table below gives a general idea of diets for each type of liver disease:

DISEASE

DIET RECOMMENDATION

BILE DUCT DISEASE

(an ailment that prevents the bile which is responsible for the
emulsification of lipids from flowing to the small intestine)

use fat substitutes

use kernel oil such as olive,
canola, sunflower, flaxseed, and corn oil

CIRRHOSIS
(the scarring and hardening of the liver due to chemicals,
viruses, toxic metals, and autoimmune liver disease)

protein should be strictly regulated
and consultation with a doctor or dietician is highly recommended

limit the amount of salt in the food
you eat

FATTY LIVER DISEASE
(the buildup of fat in the liver cells)

limit high-calorie foods

choose foods that have high fiber
content

HEMOCHROMATOSIS
(the buildup of iron in the liver)

avoid iron-rich foods, iron
supplements, and multivitamins with iron

do not eat uncooked shellfish

do not cook on iron pots and pans

HEPATITIS C
(caused by the hepatitis C virus)

limit foods that are iron-rich

limit the amount of salt in your
food

do not cook on iron pots and pans

WILSON DISEASE
(the buildup of copper in the body)

limit food that contain copper such
as shellfish, chocolate, nuts and mushrooms

do not cook on copper pots

Those with liver diseases must always consult their doctors regarding their dietary concerns as malnutrition and unhealthy diet can cause detrimental damage to the liver.

Wheatgrass is one of the best sources of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll delivers fresh oxygen throughout the body creating a highly-oxygenated environment where the brain and body tissues can function at optimal level. Chlorophyll helps increase the number of red blood cells in our blood and can address anemia, improve vitality and increase vigor. Chlorophyll also has great anti-bacterial action both inside and outside the body. The health benefits from chlorophyll are quite numerous; among them is its ability to neutralize toxins in the body, to purify the liver, and to improve blood sugar problems.

Wheatgrass juice is high in alkalinity. This cancels out the acidity in our bodies alleviating ailments such as ulcers, acid reflux, and other stomach pains.

Aside from these, wheatgrass is also known to help prevent tooth decay, to resolve acne problems, to treat skin problems like eczema and psoriasis, and to keep hair from graying. It is a body cleanser, a body rebuilder, and a neutralizer of toxins.

If you would like to try wheatgrass and experience first-hand its health benefits, wheatgrass is available in various forms:

Fresh Juice. If you have a green thumb, you can grow wheatgrass in your own home. Wheatgrass juice should be consumed within 30 minutes of juicing to fully benefit from the live enzymes. You may also frequent local stores such as Mondo Juice, Fruit Magic and even Shopwise for their freshly squeezed wheatgrass.

Tablets & Capsules. Although lacking in live enzymes, they still pretty much maintain most of the nutrients of wheatgrass.

Powdered Mix. In powdered form, wheatgrass loses its live enzymes but can still provide a refreshing and nutritious drink when mixed with water or other juices. Easy Pha-Max Wheatgrass, INS Wheatgrass Powder, and Wheatgrass Max are sold in handy sachets in local stores.

Frozen Juice. Some of the live enzymes are maintained although this form is not easily available in stores. Some Mondo Juice outlets also offer frozen wheatgrass which can be thawed when ready to be drunk.

Of course, for you to fully benefit from drinking wheatgrass juice, you must eliminate those that contribute to ill-health such as smoking, drug use, and sedentary habits. Do avoid high fat and high protein foods as well. Drinking an ounce of wheatgrass a day would surely improve your overall physical well-being.

One of the most natural home remedies that we can find and also one of the most convenient to acquire is HONEY. It has been known to treat a myriad of ailments and complaints such as athlete’s foot and yeast infection. Among the medicinal properties of honey is its ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. This antiseptic property help keep wounds clean and free from infection. Another is its antibacterial property that helps it prevent infections and functions also as an anti-inflammatory greatly reducing swelling and pain.

Here are some of the many ailments that can be remedied by pure honey or a concoction with honey:

Burns and cuts can heal faster with the use of honey as it is able to absorb the moisture from the air and hasten the healing.

Hangover will be diminished with just 15ml of liquid honey mixed with 80ml of orange juice and 70 ml of natural yogurt. The natural sugars in honey are known to expedite the oxidation of alcohol by the liver.

Sore throats can be treated by taking a spoonful of honey or by gargling with a solution of 2 tablespoons of honey, 4 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Certain bacteria that cause infection are killed due to honey’s antimicrobial properties.

Those who have difficulty sleeping or insomnia may take a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of honey. This milk and honey drink can induce sleep and can soothe the soul for a relaxing slumber.

Cancer can be impeded by regular intake of honey. Although it cannot cure cancer, honey is known to prevent carcinogen formation and has anti-tumor properties.

Aside from being a wonderful home remedy, honey is also a natural source of carbohydrates making it a great energy booster. It is also a potent booster of the immune system. Its antioxidant and antibacterial properties significantly improve health and resistance to germs and diseases.

With the many health benefits one can get from honey, you just might want to take a spoonful of it each day.

Milk and other dairy products are a good source of nutrition for kids and adult alike. In fact they make up a portion of our daily diet from the time we are born. However, not everybody can enjoy the goodness of such products as much as anybody else. This is due to lactose intolerance.

Lactose Intolerance is a medical condition wherein a person is unable to digest a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products known as lactose. This is due to a deficiency in the production of an enzyme called lactase in our small intestine. This condition is primarily genetic in nature and may manifest itself at different life stages for each individual. Some pre-mature babies are born with it, while those who were born at full term may experience it at around 2 years or more. Others do not show signs until adolescence or adulthood. People who are lactose intolerant may experience discomfort, abdominal pain or bloating, gas, diarrhea, or nausea after 30 minutes or within 2 hours after ingesting milk or other milk products. The severity of pain or discomfort depends on the amount of lactose a person can tolerate.

Not to worry though, lactose intolerance is common in most adults and the most that it could do is give you a bit of a tummy ache and an awfully bad smelling poop. However, this condition limits your intake of milk and other dairy products which is a primary source of calcium and other nutrients. It may inhibit the growth of your children due to lack of proper nutrition or cause other health problems like poor bone condition or osteoporosis in later life. To ensure that this condition will not have a long term effect on our health, we can try to introduce a minimal amount of milk in our diet and gradually increase it to help patients adapt to it with fewer symptoms. We could also look for other sources of calcium and vitamins to fulfill our daily nutrition requirements.

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its lack of initial symptoms yet this condition can lead to long-term disease and complications. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure which is responsible for many cases of death and disability. As a parent, it is important for us to take care of our health and make sure that we are there for our kids until such time that they can be independent. Hypertension can be avoided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, the same regimen is recommended for those who want to manage their hypertension.

Here are some steps that you can follow to start your lifestyle change.

Check your BMI (Body Mass Index). BMI is the measure of fat based on the height and weight of a person, you may use
this tool to determine if you are within normal weight, overweight or obese. BMI calculators are available at your health clinic or online.

Change your diet by avoiding fatty and salty food, or those with high level of preservatives. But beware of crash or fad diet, they may do more damage than good. It’s safe to get your 3 full meals per day following your food pyramid but its always best to consult your doctor or dietician especially for those who have been diagnosed with hypertension already.

Regular Exercise or increase in physical activity. You don’t have to enroll in a gym class or a fitness center. Physical activity may be as simple as walking, using the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, or cleaning the house. It may also be a social
activity like sports or dancing. It is recommended that you spend at least 30 minutes on physical activity on most days of the week.

Be consistent with your lifestyle change. Managing your health is a lifetime commitment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your family also ensures that your kids can enjoy a fit and nourishing life.